Table leaf support



Feb. 25, 1936. F. L. CASPER 33,?

TABLE LEAF SUPPORT Filed OCL. 10, 1-935 EW AG Patented Feb. 25, 1936 UNITED STATES TABLE LEAF SUPPORT Frank L. Casper,

Howes Cave, N. Y.

Application October 10, 1933, Serial No. 693,030

9 Claims.

This invention comprehends a brace primarily intended for use with a hingedly mounted table leaf, although susceptible for use in other connections, and its general application is contemplated by the claims.

In carrying out the invention I provide a brace comprising a pair of hingedly connected sections having associated therewith a novel construction of means whereby said sections are automatically and effectively latched in end to end relation for use.

One of the chief characteristics of the invention resides in the provision of a spring influenced latch, and wherein the spring functions to assist the sections of the brace to assume an end to end relation as the table leaf is raised, as well as to operate the latch and thereby positively prevent casual collapsing of the brace under any and all conditions.

The invention also comprehends the provision of a brace of the character above mentioned, which is not only simple and compact in construction, but one which possesses maximum strength and durability.

The nature and advantages of the invention will be better understood when the following detail description is read in connection with the accompanying drawing, the invention residing in the construction, combination and arrangement of parts as claimed.

In the drawing forming part of the application like numerals of reference indicate similar parts in the several views and wherein:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary sectional View of a table showing the hinged member folded in a vertical position with the brace collapsed.

Figure 2 is a similar view showing the hinged member of the table extended and the sections of the brace arranged in end to end relation.

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view.

Figure 4 is a sectional view on line 4-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a top plan view.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the brace folded.

Referring to the drawing in detail Ill indicates a table having a leaf ll hinged as at I2. The invention for the purpose of illustration is shown in connection with a table, but its use generally with other hingedly mounted members is contemplated by the claims.

In the specific embodiment of the invention herein illustrated, the brace includes a relatively short section l3 and a relatively long section I 4. While these sections of the brace may be constructed from any suitable material, and also Vary in size and cross sectional contour, they are preferably pressed from metal into U-shaped for mation in cross section. By virtue of this construction the brace in its entirety while comparatively light, possesses maximum strength and durability. The respective sections of the brace are pivotally connected together to permit folding of the table leaf as shown in Figure 1, while of course these sections assume an end to end relation when the table leaf is raised for use. The short section I3 of the brace is provided with ears l5 which project from one end of the section and are pivoted between the side flanges of the long section I4 as at l6. Loosely mounted on the outer end of each section of the brace is a bracket ll utilized to attach the brace to the table Ill and the leaf l I thereof in the manner illustrated. The relatively long section I4 of the brace is provided with an opening l8 adjacent the pivoted ends of said sections, which opening is adapted to receive the spring influenced latch I9, whereby the brace is positively prevented from accidentally folding or collapsing under any circumstances while in use.

The latch proper indicated at H! is preferably formed from a single piece of metal bent upon itself to provide spaced limbs as shown. The latch is journaled on a stationary pivot 20 supported by the side flanges of the short section l3 of the brace. The latch projects beyond the end of this section and operates between the ears I5 thereof. Projecting from the extremity of one limb of the latch is an offset nose 2|, the active surface of which is curved or rounded to facilitate its entrance into and removal from the opening l8 of the long section M of the brace. Terminally connected with the other limb of the latch is one end of a contractile spring 22, the opposite end of which is connected with a lug 23 stamped from the section M of the brace. The major portion of the spring is housed between the side flanges of the section l4 and thereby protected against injury. Obviously, the spring 22 functions in a dual capacity. It is tensioned to assist the respective sections of the brace to assume an end to end relation while the table leaf is being raised, while at the same time it operates the latch l9, moving it into its active position within the opening I8 of the section H! of the brace. When the sections of the brace are extended for use they are effectively latched and positively held in this position, to prevent casual collapsing or folding of the brace under any circumstances.

While it is believed that from the foregoing description the nature and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent, I desire to have it understood that I do not limit myself to what is herein illustrated, and that such changes may be resorted to when desired as fall within the scope of what is claimed.

What is claimed is:

1. The combination with a hingedly mounted member and its support, of a brace comprising a pair of pivotally connected sections pivotally mountd on the hinged member and support, a resilient element connecting said sections to assist the latter to assume an end to end relation as said hingedly mounted member is raised, and pivoted means carried by the brace and actuated by said resilient element for effectively latching said sections in end to end relation.

2. The combination with a hingedly mounted member and its support, of a brace comprising a pair of pivotally connected sections pivotally mounted on the hinged member and support, a resilient element connecting said sections and assisting the latter to assume an end to end relation as said hingedly mounted member is raised, and means carried by one of said sections and actuated by said resilient element for effectively latching said sections in end to end relation.

3. The combination with a hingedly mounted member and its support, of a brace comprising a pair of pivotally connected sections pivotally mounted on said hinged member and support, resilient means operable to assist said sections to assume an end to end relation as said hingedly mounted member is raised, and a latch element carried by one section, and actuated by said resilient means into operative engagement with the other section when said sections are arranged in end to end relation.

4. The combination with a hingedly mounted member and its support, of a brace comprising a pair of pivotally connected sections pivotally mounted on said hinged member and support, resilient means connecting said sections and assisting the latter to assume an end to end relation, and a latch element carried by one of said sections, and actuated by said resilient means into latching engagement with the other section as said sections assume an end to end relation.

5. The combination with a hingedly mounted member and its support, of a brace comprising a pair of pivotally connected sections pivotally mounted on said hinged member and support, re-

tion as said sections assume an end to end relation.

6. The combination with a hingedly mounted member and its support, of a brace comprising a pair of pivotally connected sections pivotally mounted on said hinged member and support, and means for latching said sections in end to end relation, said means including a latch, and a spring to assist in moving said sections into end to end relation while the hinged member is being raised and simultaneously operate said latch.

7. The combination with a hingedly mounted member and its support, of a brace comprising a pair of pivotally connected sections pivotally mounted on said hinged member and support, a resilient element connecting said sections and adapted to assist the latter to assume an end to end relation as said hingedly mounted member is raised, one of said sections having an opening, and a latch element pivoted on the other section and automatically moved into its active position within said opening under the influence of said spring.

8. As a new article of manufacture, a brace of the character described comprising a pair of pivotally connected sections, a latch element pivoted on one section, the other section having an opening, and a spring secured to the last mentioned section and terminally connected with the latch element, whereby the latter is moved into efiective latching engagement and within the opening of the last mentioned section, when the brace is extended for use.

9. As a new article of manufacture, a brace 01 the character described comprising a pair of pivotally connected sections of channel-like formation in cross section, one of said sections having an opening, a pivoted latch element carried by the other'section, and a spring housed within the first mentioned section and connected thereto and with said latch element, to assist in moving said sections in end to end relation and simultaneousl; shift said latch element to its active position within said opening as the brace is extended tor use.

FRANK L. CASPER. 

